If you have a golden retriever, you must have heard about the merits of feeding apples to dogs. It’s a popular topic on many dog forums and blogs.
As a pet owner yourself, you most likely want to feed your dog what’s best for his health. And apples are one of the most nutritious foods in the world. But can golden retrievers eat apples?
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about giving this fruit to your pooch.
Are apples safe for golden retrievers?
We’ve all seen it: a dog sees an apple on the ground and snatches it up to chow down. But do you know if Apples are safe for dogs to eat?
Apples are safe for golden retrievers to eat. However, before giving your dog apples, there are a few important things you should know. First, introduce apples slowly to your golden retriever; it is best not to feed too much at once.
It’s highly unlikely, but some golden retrievers can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction to apples. If your dog has never had them, start slow and watch for any abnormal signs. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, stop feeding apples to your retriever and talk to your vet immediately.
Apples are a healthy treat for dogs. They provide fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy. Just keep in mind that the core/seed of an apple has a hard pip that your dog should not eat, as it could pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages.
Keep reading this article to learn more about whether apples are good for your golden retriever.
Benefits of apples in golden retrievers
Most pet owners know apples are a healthy and delicious snack for humans, but many don’t know that they are also an excellent treat for dogs. In fact, apples can provide a variety of health benefits for your dog if given in moderation—particularly your golden retriever.
Here are just a few of the health benefits that apples can provide to your golden retriever:
Low calorie: Apples are a low-calorie treat, making them a great option for dogs on restrictive diets.
Low in fat: Golden retrievers gain weight quickly, so it’s important to give them treats with lower fat levels. Apples contain only trace amounts of fat, and the skin is where most of the fat content is found.
High fiber: Fiber is beneficial for dogs on restrictive diets or those who are constipated. The high fiber content in apples can help relieve constipation and keep your dog regularly.
Antioxidants: Apples contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta carotene, which help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and may even prevent cancer.
Multivitamins & Minerals: Apples are also a source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and phosphorus. The combination of vitamins and minerals can help support your pet’s immune system and bone health.
Malic acid: Finally, apples contain malic acid, which helps keep your golden retriever’s teeth clean and breath fresh.
Do all golden retrievers like apples?
Unfortunately, no, your golden retrievers may not like apples.
Golden retrievers have food preferences and apples may not be on your golden retriever’s “like” list. As with people, some dogs will eat almost anything put in front of them while others are picky. Your golden retriever might turn up its nose at apples because it has different taste preferences, or it could be a low-quality apple (granny smith apples are much higher in antioxidants than red delicious).
Always speak with your veterinarian before introducing a new food to your golden retriever’s food list. Once you get a go-ahead from the vet that this is safe for your pet, try cutting the apple into small pieces and offering them as treats. Some dogs prefer smaller bites of food that are easier for them to eat than larger chunks or whole foods that can cause choking hazard.
Can my golden retrievers have apples every day?
Don’t get us wrong: apples are great. In fact, apples are one of the healthiest treats you can give your dog. They’re low in calories, but full of vitamins and antioxidants that can benefit your pup’s skin and coat health. But like any good thing, we recommend not overdoing it.
There’s no rule on how often golden retrievers can eat apples—but if you’re giving them to your pup every day, think about why. If they’re substituting for a good-quality dog food, reconsider how much you’re giving them.
Treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily diet (and because they’re so low in calories and high in fiber, apples count as more of a treat than other types of fruits). If you’ve got a golden with weight issues (or who is prone to them), apples might be an especially good choice: they’ll fill up your pup without harming their waistline or their dental health.
And just like with humans, if we eat the same things every day for too long, we can get bored. Even though apples are healthy and don’t contain any additives or preservatives that might harm your dog, feeding them the same thing every single day could cause them to lose interest in their food overall.
If your golden retriever is already a picky eater, then this could be problematic. Instead of apples every day, try switching it up and giving them different foods on rotation to keep their tummy and taste buds happy.
You should also your golden retriever other fruits and vegetables besides apples for added nutritional benefit. Bananas, carrots, and pumpkin all make great treats for golden retrievers.
Can golden retrievers’ puppies eat apples?
Have you ever wondered if golden retrievers’ puppies can eat apples?
The short answer is no. We don’t recommend feeding apples to golden retrievers puppies unless your vet approves it for certain reasons.
Puppies have a delicate digestive system, and they shouldn’t be given foods that are hard to digest. Apples have a hard skin, which means they’re hard to chew and digest. This can lead to problems like choking, indigestion, or even constipation. Plus, apples are high in sugar, which should be avoided by dogs of any age as it’s bad for their teeth and can lead to obesity.
It’s important to remember that all dogs are different, so you should always consult with your veterinarian before introducing something new into your puppy’s diet—including apples.
How many apples can golden retrievers eat?
This is a question we often get asked. The answer is that your dog’s serving size depends on its weight, which you should consult your vet about.
But to put things into perspective, here are some guidelines:
For a small golden retriever, aim for about 1 slice per day. For large dogs (like my golden retriever, who weighs 60 pounds), aim for 2/3 slices per day.
Be sure to consult with your vet about the best way to serve these treats to minimize the risk of bloating and other health issues.
Remember that it’s important to always follow the rule: your golden retriever needs a complete balanced diet, and all treats combinedly should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve apples to your golden retrievers?
If you love your golden retriever, you’ll want to know how to serve apples to your golden retrievers.
Apples are a healthy treat for golden retrievers, but only if you do it the right way. You should always check with your vet before changing your golden retriever’s diet or adding new treats.
You should feed organic only because it is safer for your dog. Avoid any pesticides and chemicals that can harm them.
Wash the apples thoroughly before you serve them to your golden retriever, in order to avoid any bacteria and germs.
Some golden retrievers are picky eaters, so start small and see how they respond. Try adding a little shredded apple and see the response of your golden retriever. If they like it and don’t have any adverse reactions, you can move on to serving them a larger amount of apple.
A great way to serve apples to your golden retriever on hot days is by freezing them! Freeze and serve them to your golden retriever as a refreshing summer snack. You can also mash up frozen apples and mix in with your golden retriever’s food for a sweet treat during the fall months.
Another option? Make apple pops with Greek yogurt and applesauce—your golden retriever will love licking it off the spoon!
When are apples bad for golden retrievers?
You’ve probably heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But is this true for your golden retriever, too?
It can be a great idea to share an apple with your dog to give it some variety from its regular diet, but it’s important to be aware of when apples may be bad for your golden retriever.
As you already read, apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which are all great things. However, they also contain seeds that are toxic to dogs.
While one or two seeds aren’t likely to hurt your pup, if your golden retriever ingests a lot of them at once, it can cause cyanide poisoning. If you feed your golden retriever apples regularly, watch out for symptoms like dizziness and disorientation—these could show cyanide poisoning.
If your golden retriever has underlying health issues like allergy or diabetes, apples could exacerbate those conditions. In fact, any fruit can cause problems if the dog already has other health problems, so you should always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog’s diet.
Golden retrievers are healthy, but they are susceptible to a few diseases and disorders, including diabetes.
It’s also important to note that even if your golden retriever is perfectly healthy, they could still have an adverse reaction to apples (or any other fruit) because of indigestion—so it’s best to get them checked out by a vet before giving them any new foods.
What happens when your golden retrievers eat too many apples?
Do you know what happens when your Golden Retriever eat too many apples?
Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Vomiting
- Excessive drooling and/or diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy (tiredness) or weakness
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Excessive barking and whining
- Loss of coordination
If you notice any of these symptoms in your golden retriever, contact your vet.
Can golden retrievers eat apple skin?
Yes, your golden retrievers can eat an apple with skin. In fact, eating the skin provides additional benefits for your golden retrievers. The peel of an apple is high in fiber and antioxidants. If your golden retrievers have a sensitive stomach, peel the fruit as the amount of fiber may cause indigestion.
Just be sure to wash the apples thoroughly to remove any pesticides or toxins that may have been used during the growing process and are now on the skin.
Can golden retrievers eat apple sauce?
Sugar isn’t just a problem for humans—it’s also a problem for dogs. Too much sugar can cause weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues in dogs, and it can actually be fatal if they eat too much.
But what about applesauce? Can golden retrievers eat applesauce? And if not, which foods are safe for them to eat?
The good news is that golden retrievers can safely eat plain applesauce! But the bad news is that most applesauce includes added sugars, so always choose unsweetened applesauce and give it to your golden retriever in moderation.
To be safe, you should only give your dog plain applesauce with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. If you make your own at home, stick with sweet apples like Honey crisp or Gala to get the most flavor adding no extra sugar.
What to do if your golden retrievers eat too many apples?
If you have a golden retriever, then you know that they have a tendency to eat anything and everything—including any apples that are left within their reach. While the occasional apple is unlikely to harm your dog, too many apples can lead to health problems.
If your dog has eaten any apples, start by removing any remaining pieces of apple from your dog’s environment. It’s also important not to panic—your first reaction may be to induce vomiting, but this is not always advisable or safe. Call your vet and ask for advice on how best to proceed.
If your dog is showing no symptoms other than having eaten some apples, the best thing you can do is monitor them for any abnormal signs and keep them hydrated. Sometimes, veterinarians will recommend inducing vomiting; in others, they will advise monitoring and waiting for the apple to pass through their system naturally.
In all cases, it’s important to stay calm and seek medical advice rather than trying to treat your dog yourself.
Find out if your golden retrievers can eat other treats
- Can golden retrievers eat bananas
- Can golden retrievers eat blueberries
- Can golden retrievers eat watermelon
- Can golden retrievers eat grapes
- Can golden retrievers eat carrots
- Can golden retrievers eat oranges
- Can golden retrievers eat avocado
- Can golden retrievers eat ice cream
- Can golden retrievers eat tomatoes
- Can golden retrievers eat rice
- Can golden retrievers eat corn
- Can golden retrievers eat cucumbers
- Can golden retrievers eat turkey
So, can golden retrievers eat apples?
Yes! Golden retrievers can eat apples. Apples are rich in potassium, a mineral that helps balance fluids in your dog’s body, making it an excellent treat for golden retrievers.
However, if you’re going to feed your dog an apple, remove the seeds and core. The core is a choking hazard and contains a chemical called amygdalin that turns into cyanide when digested—which can cause vomiting, tremors, and even death.
You should also avoid giving your dog too much apple at once—it can cause digestive upset or diarrhea. Give your dog plenty of water after they’ve eaten an apple so they don’t develop constipation.
Remember, dogs with sensitive stomachs may have trouble digesting apples or other fruits. If this is the case with your pup, don’t be afraid to consult with your vet before giving them fruit.